Billy Graham (New Zealand boxer)
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- This article is about the winner of four New Zealand titles at light welterweight. For the Welterweight boxing champion of the world, see American Billy Graham (boxer) (1922-1992). For the former amateur and professional English boxer, see Billy Graham (boxing trainer).
Billy Graham born in Naenae, New Zealand was the winner of four New Zealand titles at light welterweight, plus an Australasian title and the Jamieson Belt.
Trained by the legendary Dick Dunn Billy's amateur career was outstanding. Billy didn't turn pro but in the late 60's Bob Jones wrote the following about young Billy:
| “ | Wellington boxing fans should mark down young Billy Graham in the back of their minds as a future professional champion who will fill their Town Hall, for the Hutt Valley boxer is showing all the signs of following in the footsteps of two post-war greats in Barry Brown and Manuel Santos. At 18, Billy Graham who in the nick of time for the W.B.A, who currently sadly lacking a local hero, is an amateur prospect with all the necessary qualifications to make the grade in the professional ring after perhaps another year in the amateurs. | ” |
When he was 28 his coach told him it was time to stop boxing. Billy left boxing after 18 years in the ring with out ever having taken a blow to the head. He now runs the Naenae Boxing Academy In Naenae, New Zealand.
[edit] Personal life
Billy lives in Wellington with his wife, Kerri and his two youngest children.
